13 Things to do in Ubud, Bali

|Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary|

This is a sanctuary reserve that strives to maintain the viability of these long-tailed Balinese monkeys. Along with a Hindu temple complex inside, there are various bridges and walkways covered with vines and moss leading you throughout the forest. You will see monkeys of all ages, in their natural environment. Be careful, as the monkeys will try to steal your things. They will even jump on you to unzip, or open your bag… Over 10,000 tourists visit here a month, so the monkeys are very comfortable with people…do not be afraid of them! The entrance fee is 40,000 IDR ($3 USD).

|Campuhan Ridge Walk|

Campuhan Ridge is a walking trail on the top of a ridge – obviously. It consists of a stone path, surrounded by tall green grass with deep valleys on either side. The curvy trail continues for about 5 km, and is lined by palm trees here and there. It’s a perfect place to take a stroll at dawn or dusk, when it’s not so hot.

|Bridges Bali|

Bridges Bali is a casual fine dining restaurant and wine bar that happens to have a pretty awesome set of bridges right next to it. I went for the bridges (the pictures), but you can go for the food too. The surrounding views are gorgeous, as the bridges go over a rushing stream, with moss walls.

|Littetalks Cafe|

Right across the street from Bridges Bali is a quaint restaurant called Littletalks. On the wall of the stairs in the entry you’ll find picturesque hand-painted wood signs filled with quotes. Their food is delicious and cheap, and there is an awesome view over looking the valley.

|TheYoga Barn|

Yoga is practiced often by people throughout Southeast Asia. The Yoga Barn is the most famous Yoga studio in Bali and a great place to take a class while you’re there. They have all different levels and styles of classes, and also offer meditation, healing, and retreats. The teachers are from all over the world and they won’t disappoint you! Eat a delicious meal in their cafe when you’re finished working out.

|Goa Gajah|

Goa Gajah is a temple about 10 minutes from the center of Ubud. It’s famous for its Elephant Cave, which is shallow and has a small temple inside. You have to wear a sarong wrap around your waist to enter, which they will provide if you don’t have one. The rock-wall carvings are intricate and covered with moss, vines and flowers. There are bathing pools and fountains that are prominent to Bali traditions. The entrance cost is 15,000 IDR.

|Ubud PalaceTraditional Fire Dance|

The Ubud Palace is a temple (Puri Saren Agung) right in the center of Ubud. It’s the official residence of the royal family of Ubud, therefore you can explore most, but not all of it. It’s known for is intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. I think the best time to go is at night for one of the traditional Balinese Fire Dances. The performers tell a funny, fairy-tale story through dance. It’s a popular show and you’ll need to get your tickets ahead of time. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

|Tegalalang Rice Terrace|

Tegelalang Rice Terraces are absolutely epic, and a must see if you are in Ubud. They are gorgeous green rice fields located about 25 minutes north of Ubud, and I suggest you rent a motorbike to get there. There is technically no entrance fee, but you need to make a small donation to enter the trails to walk the terraces. I suggest you bring beers with you, to refresh you on your hike. You’ll see workers throughout the fields, but don’t pay them if they want to take a picture with you!

|Coffee Plantations|

Bali is famous for its strong coffee. It’s home to some of the best coffee shops in the world, due to the homegrown product and it’s delicious taste. A great thing to do when in Ubud, is venture out to some the coffee plantations nearby. They offer a free tour, as well as a tasting of about 8-12 teas and flavored coffees. You can purchase any of their goods when you’re finished. I visited 2 while there, Bali Pulina and Satria Agrowisata. Bali Pulina had a very informative tour, where the guides spoke amazing English, and a gorgeous view overlooking rice terraces. Satria Agrowisata offered more samples, and they were better tasting, I purchased my coffee to take home from there.

|Sunrise Hike at Mt. Batur|

Mt. Batur is a volcano in north Bali that is a popular hiking spot. It is an active volcano, but hasn’t been for quite sometime. The best time to hike it is at sunrise, not only for the gorgeous views, but because it is way too hot during the day. There are tour shops all over Ubud that you can hire to take you there. Don’t pay more than 250,000 IDR, for the guide, trip there and back, and your breakfast. The hike is challenging towards the top, but you won’t be disappointed with these panoramic views.

View of Mt.AgungBlack ash from 1962 Eruption

You’ll see monkeys on your way down 🙂

|Waterfalls|

There are tons of waterfalls all throughout Bali, but most commonly in the east and north. Therefore, with Ubud’s central location, it’s a perfect hub to visit as many waterfalls as possible. There are a lot of tours you can book in Ubud that will take you to waterfalls all over Bali. The closest waterfalls to Ubud are Kanto Lampo, Goa Rang Reng, Tibumana, Dunsun Kuning, and Tegenungan. Read my blog about Bali’s waterfalls for all the information you’ll need.

Tegenungan Waterfall

|Day Trip to Butan Temple|

There are various day tours you can take from Ubud because of its central location in Bali. One of the many is a trip to Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, a temple situated on a lake on Lake Beratan in north Bali (see below). It’s one of the most popular temples to see based off it’s uniqueness and beauty. The tour will also take you to a beach on the north coast of Bali, hot springs, and stop along the way for gorgeous views. You can personalize any tour you take from Ubud, deciding which landmarks you’d like to see (rice fields, waterfalls, temples, etc). There are so many tour shops along the main strip in Ubud, so price shop between the stands instead of hopping on board with the first people you talk to.

View of the Twin Lakes

|Taman Festival Park|

About a 45 minute drive south of Ubud, is Taman Festival Park. It is an abandoned amusement park, and easily the coolest abandoned place I’ve ever been to. It’s massive, with multiple buildings covered with street art, vines and moss. You could spend hours exploring there. I suggest you rent a motorbike and drive yourself here…as it’s not a spot most tourists go. There are locals sitting in the front trying to charge you 10,000 IDR to get in, but if you walk around the back you can find your way in for free. Read my blog that is all about Taman Festival for more amazing pictures.

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Jessica Pfeiffer. I'm 25 years old and have a serious love of travel and all things beautiful. Sharing my travel experiences and tips from 20+ countries in hopes of inspiring you! I haven't been everywhere but it's on my list...